The Graham Bradley Collector Club consists of a group of fans of the brand of tractors that used to be sold through the Sears catalog. Members were invited to a reception at the new home of 3-Point Ink in Greenville, Ill., on July 29; after the first full day of tractor show festivities at the American Farm Heritage Museum wrapped up, collectors left their tractors for the night and headed to Sherry Schaefer’s new digs.

Schaefer, the editor of Heritage Iron and Oliver Heritage, moved into her new offices and publishing headquarters for 3-Point Ink this February. Heritage Iron celebrates tractors 1960 and newer and Oliver Heritage, equipment of the Oliver brand.

The publishing company has also recently expanded into a line of prints known as “The Farmer’s Hands,” to benefit a nonprofit organization called Farm Rescue. Schaefer recently recorded her own experiences assisting a farmer in harvesting his wheat with other Farm Rescue members.

The first print available is titled “The Beautiful Hands of a Farmer,” with a poem that tells the story of the hard work and dedication that flows from the calloused fingers, scars and soiled nails.

Members of the Graham Bradley club felt honored to view Schaefer’s extensive Oliver collection in addition to some Graham Bradley items displayed for the collectors to enjoy. “This is the first time anything besides Oliver items have ever been in that display case,” Schaefer – nicknamed “The Oliver Girl” – joked.

The barn décor and down-home feel of the offices sparked just the right mood for those coming to the reception. Schaefer, who also is involved with the American Farm Heritage Museum and Show, said this group was the first to tour her new offices, which were still undergoing completion. For more information about 3-Point Ink, log onto www.3pointink.com

Collectors from as far away as Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana and other states came together to enjoy tractors and stories, and the friendships that have sprung up over the years. A record number of 30-plus Graham Bradley tractors were on hand for this year’s show. Several Sears Economy tractors and a few Bradley and Thrifty Farmers also fit into the mix, as well.

Historic Days opened on July 29 and Graham Bradleys, along with Sheppard Diesel, Custom Club International and an array of other brands, celebrated their heritage and enjoyed the extensive grounds and amenities the American Farm Heritage Museum had to offer.

For more details about upcoming events and information about the grounds and museum, log onto www.americanfarmheritagemuseusm.org

Readers with questions or comments for Cindy Ladage may write to her in care of this publication.